A/N: This work is fiction and written for entertainment purposes. All characters belong to their respective owners.
Chapter 13: The Path Of The Pure Is The Most Arduous(Pt.1)
"Vasel sir?" Andrew asked.
"That's right. High Command has decided that now is the best time to retake the town. As you all can see," Crowe pointed over to the map on the wall. It was a map of Gallia with pin tacks on it and a large part of it was covered in red.
"We only have the capital and the southern front while the Germans are in control of most of the country. Also, with the Germans in control of the Great Vasel Bridge, they will continue to cut us off from access to the North Sea and from receiving supplies from our ports. At least the supplies that make it through their blockade."
"So, we will be working with the regular forces for this operation?" Kurt asked.
"Well….. Not exactly. You see, the main push will be from the militia and regular forces. Meanwhile, you all will be attacking the town of Poiroux. Our intelligence tells us that there is a group of collaborators that are holding that town for the Germans. You guys will be attacking the town, and liberating it so that they won't be able to reinforce the Germans when the main force attacks the town."
"I'm sorry, collaborators?" Andrew asked, to which Crowe nodded.
"It would seem like they are most likely members of the NSB that decided to throw their lot with the krauts, even being equipped by them," Crowe said with a scowl on his face.
Andrew looked over at Kurt who was frowning.
"The Nationaal-Socialistische Beweging in Gallia. They are a group that believes that Gallia should have better relations with Imperial Germany, to the point where Germany should be the only ally for Gallia. They are a part of the minority in the government but now they are just open in their intentions," Kurt replied.
"We were able to arrest the big wigs but a lot of their members either were already in the German hands or they escaped before we got them. Now, we at least know where they are so we are going to show their loyalty to the krauts in kind," Crowe then took a swig from his flask before continuing, "So, we believe that at least a battalion is stationed in the town. The militia as well as some of the Town Watch that was not captured will assist in the assault. There are also some more members joining but they will meet you in the town. Now off you three go."
Nameless Base Camp
South of Randgriz
April 12, 1935
'Ha!Ya!" Annika grunted as she punched the punching bag with vigor. Currently, she was doing her daily workout in camp while everyone was doing their own thing. They were finally taking a break after just continuous suicide missions. Well, with the new commander and executive officer, their missions have been successful so far. Their recent mission was an ambush on a German convoy behind enemy lines and everything went perfectly. From laying the ambush, springing the ambush, and completing the mission, all without taking any losses.
"Ha!Hey!" Annika yelled as she finished up her workout. After giving the punching bag one last hit, she went to the nearby crate she was using as a chair, picked up her water canteen, and took a drink.
"Ha….. Today isn't bad!" Annika commented as she took a seat on the crate. It was still pretty early in the morning so she was the only one on the training grounds. Kurt and Andrew were in Randgriz to meet with Crowe so everyone was being a bit lazy today.
As Annika was resting from her workout, her stomach started to growl.
"Ah, I'm hungry!" Annika exclaimed, blushing a bit before continuing, "Well, no time to wait for breakfast!"
Annika reached down to a bag near the crate and opened it to reveal it filled with an assortment of vegetables.
"Times like these call for healthy vegetables! These juicy greens will re-energize me!" She then pulled out a carrot and took a bite. The snap from the bite rang out as she contently ate the carrot.
"MMMM…. Oh, this tastes great! I feel ready for action!" Annika exclaimed as she finished her carrot. She ate a few more vegetables before getting back on her feet.
"Today is a good day for a fight!" Annika proclaimed, particularly to no one.
Well, one person was listening.
"Ah, such spirit in the morning," Gloria commented as she approached Annika with her pipe in her hand.
"Good morning!," Annika greeted Gloria, "Are you doing morning exercises?"
"No, it's because you are so annoying that you woke me up," Gloria replied.
"Ah! Sorry!" Annika apologized to Gloria, who waved her hand.
"This old granny doesn't get up early on purpose," Gloria replied.
"So that is how it is! But getting up early is good for you!" Annika stated excitedly, "Today's operation will be hard, so let's go all out!"
"Operation! Ah, you mean the one that the captain and XO are getting briefed on," Gloria commented, taking a smoke from her pipe.
"Yup! And since Vasel was taken by the Germans last week, that is the only place we will be going next," Annika replied. News of Vasel falling to the Germans spread fast and the regular army had been trying to retake it but their first counterattack failed.
"Well, we won't know for sure until they come back. But if we are going to Vasel, that means that the regular army is finally getting their act together. Or they just have enough militia folks to help them," Gloria mused. While some regular army units were good, many others are not.
As Gloria and Annika continued to talk, Guilio noticed them as he was carrying a pot that contained their breakfast.
"Hey, you two! If you are done, come get some breakfast while it's still hot," Guilio called out to the two women.
"Well, let's go. Best to be first in line and get the good parts first," Gloria stated. Annika nodded and the two went towards Guilio.
3 Hours Later
"And that is the mission," Kurt said, concluding the briefing. Once Kurt and Andrew returned to base, introduced the new member to the rest of the squad, and had breakfast, Kurt went into the briefing.
"Well, it's about time they finally gave us a mission where we have some support," Felix noted.
"And we are only having to deal with defectors so this should hopefully be a cakewalk," Valerie said, which earned her a few nods from some people.
However, there was one person who didn't understand it.
"Those soldiers were originally Gallian right?" Annika asked. Once she received a nod from Kurt, she frowned.
"Then why'd they defect?"
"Well, some people are upset with the country so they got carried away," Gloria mused, smoking before continuing, "Those idiots are trying to take over the country through the chaos of war, and even going so low as to get German support at that."
"However, this mission ain't going to be a cakewalk. Do we know how big this group is?" Fifty-Six asked.
"Intel says that there is a regiment of them at Poiroux. The army will be lending a battalion for support, along with a battalion from the militia. There is a high chance that they will have tanks and armored vehicles but we could not confirm it. So, we need to be prepared for it so we will be bringing extra lancer rockets…. Provided that we don't get scammed," Andrew stated, glancing over to Carisa who heard and stuck her tongue at him.
"Any more questions?" Kurt asked. When no one answered him, Kurt continued, "Very well. We leave within the hour."
As everyone dispersed to pack up and get ready to head to the town, Gloria walked next to Annika.
"Feeling nervous about this mission?" Gloria asked, trying to gauge the girl's reaction.
"Not at all!" Annika replied, catching Gloria briefly off guard before continuing, "Just how strong are they? I can't wait!"
"Well, this is a surprise. Everyone else seems to be on edge, yet you are excited with this mission?" Gloria asked with genuine curiosity.
"Yes! Because I want to become even stronger!" Annika replied, "I want to fight strong opponents so I can become the best there is!" Gloria sighed.
"Such a hot-blooded girl. Even if you become stronger, you won't get a boyfriend." That comment caused Annika to blush.
"T-That doesn't matter!" I just want to catch up with my hero!" Annika replied.
Now, this piqued Gloria's interest, " A hero? Are you in love?"
Annika shakes her head, "It's not like that! I just want him to approve of my strength!" She then clenched her fist and smiled.
"That's what I feel!"
Gloria chuckled, "It looks like you're a strange person too."
"Really?" Annika asked.
"Then, how'd a person like you join the Nameless? You don't look like a bad person," Gloria asked. Everyone in the Nameless has a story on why they were here but one look at Annika and no one would understand why she was sent to the Nameless, her and Amy.
"About that….. I beat up a criminal and tied him up in my hometown," Annika frowned as she continued, "I was arrested because I was too violent."
"Through a twist of fate, the documents were signed and I was sent here…" Annika concluded.
"Hard to imagine a young girl would be so violent," Gloria commented before cracking a small smile, "You did something incredible."
Annika shook her head, "Not really! I was just punishing him a bit!" She then closed her eyes as she remembered what happened, "But….. at the slightest movement he just fainted…. Looks like he was scared of my violent streak."
Gloria was quiet for a bit before she asked, "After everything, do you regret what happened?"
"Nope! I did the right thing and got the right results!" Annika proclaimed confidently. She then added.
"Also, I don't hate this squadron." That comment caused Gloria to raise an eyebrow.
"I feel like if I stay here, I can become even stronger!" Annika replied. This caused Gloria to sweat drop.
"You are a strange person," Gloria stated.
"You think so?" Annika asked, which again caused Gloria only to shake her head and walked away, leaving a confused Annika behind.
After everyone was able to pack up the camp, they loaded onto their transports and made their way to Poiroux. Since it was about an hour's drive to the town, the squad was split between 4 transport vehicles. So, they all normally got into a vehicle with people they were more familiar with. As a result, in one transport there was Annika, Gloria, Andrew, Caitlyn, and Amy with Kurt and Imca in the front.
As they were making their way to their destination. Annika had her vegetable bag out and pulled out another carrot.
After taking a bite of the carrot, she looked over to Gloria and offered her one, "Gloria, do you want to eat these with me?"
She shook her head and asked, "Carrots? Where did you find those?"
Annika smiled and started to laugh, "Haha, when we were camped near the woods, the forest provided them to me. They're fresh, so they are really tasty!"
Andrew, who was observing the conversation, asked with a raised eyebrow, "Uh, you sure that is safe to eat?"
"Of course they are safe! I always make sure that they are washed thoroughly," Annika replied. She then took another bite from the carrot and moaned.
"Oh….mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Oh, that powerful crunch! It's the flavor of Mother Earth!" Annika exclaimed. Everyone just watched in amazement as Annika ate the carrot until it was no more.
"As young girls grow older, their mouths grow for crunching carrots, you are a strange person," Gloria commented, still can't figure out Annika.
"This is what my hero taught me," Annika answered as she grabbed another carrot.
"Hero?" Caitlyn asked.
"He is a soldier who saved me when I was seven years old. I'm indebted to him!" Annika replied, "I will be strong like him!"
Gloria rubbed her chin and then asked, "After becoming strong, what do you plan to do?"
"I'll protect the weak of course!" Annika answered without hesitation. But then said.
"That is what I think. With no power, you cannot protect anything or carry out justice."
"Carry out justice?" Gloria asked.
"When I was seven, I was small and weak, so people had to protect me. I felt wronged, and sharply told myself to become strong!"
"While that is admirable, I still need to ask you something," Gloria asked.
"Ok."
"Do you think the weak cannot have justice?"
"That…." Annika stopped and was silent for a bit before continuing, " It's just that they are powerless to enforce it."
"Powerless?"
"If justice could be defeated by a dart, it's not justice," Annika answered.
"Ah, so that's how it is," Gloria then closed her eyes for a bit before opening them again, "It's often said a newborn calf has no fear of a tiger."
Andrew, meanwhile, having heard everything understood as well, "Having no fear is good and all but that newborn calf will get a hard lesson."
Gloria looked over to Andrew and smirked, glad that someone else also understood what she meant, "Wise words."
The squad arrived in town and were greeted by regular army troops at the edge of town. From Kurt's seat, he can see smoke coming from certain parts of town, indicating that the battle already started.
One of the regular troops approached and asked, "Are you guys that penal unit?"
"That is correct," Kurt answered back.
"Park your vehicles over there. My commander is waiting for you in that cafe," The soldier said, pointing to the spot where they can park the tank and vehicles and then pointed to a nearby cafe, where Kurt could see regular troops and militia members loitering around.
"Understood," Kurt replied. He then turned around and signaled Gusurg, who from his tank, saw Kurt motioning to the location. Gusurg then drove the tank to its destination and parked it. All the other vehicles followed suit and then parked their vehicles as well.
As everyone stretched their legs and got their bearings, Kurt addressed the group.
"Everyone, double-check our ammo and supplies. Twenty-Eight, you are with me," Kurt stated. Andrew nodded and as everyone else began to double-check their supplies, Andrew and Kurt made their way to the cafe.
The loitering soldiers and militiamen who were near the cafe all looked over at Kurt and Andrew, some gave them odd looks while others just glared, meaning they knew who Kurt and Andrew are.
Both men ignored the looks as they entered the cafe. Inside, there were radio operators along one wall, listening in on transmissions and reports coming from the front. At the center, there was a table with a map of the town on it. There were markers and markings on it, denoting positions. The table was surrounded by a mix of regular army and militia officers.
One of the regular army officers, a major, noticed the two men, and motioned them to the table, "You two must be the reinforcements that we were told about. Come over here, I will give you a brief on the situation."
The two men approached the table as the major began, "The town is currently occupied mainly by collaborators. There is a small German presence, in the form of a tank company, located near city hall here," the major pointed at a point on the map, "From what some of the locals have told us, the tanks are Panzer IIIs though there is one platoon that is equipped with Panzer IVs so keep that in mind."
"Now, our objective is to take city hall and either capture or kill all the collaborators in the town," Andrew raised an eyebrow at that and raised his hand.
"We are not taking prisoners, sir?"
"Command says that since these men and women are considered traitors, then there is nothing that they say will be of use for us," The major replied. Andrew and Kurt looked at each other but said nothing as the major continued.
"Now, we have gathered enough forces here to take the town but that will result in heavy casualties. So," the major looked over at Andrew and Kurt, "That is where the Nameless comes in. You guys will go around town and attack from their rear here." He then pointed at a point to the other side of town.
"And you expect them to not see us coming?" Andrew pointed out. A large black tank and a huge group of soldiers trying to go around town were bound to be seen.
"Not all of you. Only a small group will go. While I say attack, what I mean is that I want a small group to kill their leaders, thereby effectively rendering them headless," the major stated clearly.
"In essence, turn them from an effective force to being headless chickens?" Andrew replied.
"Exactly, then the main force will go on the offensive and take the town." Kurt continued to look at the map and then noticed something.
"What is this building housing?" Kurt asked, pointing at a building that was circled in red.
"That would be where they are holding the mayor and his family," A militia officer stated, "One of the mayor's staff workers told us they rounded the mayor and his family up yesterday and the building is guarded with at least a squad of infantry and a machine gun nest."
Once again, Kurt and Andrew looked at each other and both men nodded before Kurt said, "We will distract the enemy and we will also rescue the mayor and his family."
"Don't be fucking crazy. There is no way that you all will be able to complete both objectives," One of the regular army officers stated.
"Clearly, you don't know what we are capable of. We will get it done," Andrew replied.
The major looked over to Kurt and saw that there was no hesitation and seeing anything that might look like they are just boasting, the major sighed and said,
"Very well. However, the safety of the mayor and his family is a priority. If they die, then it is a mission failure. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," Kurt replied. There were a few more questions in regards to how many civilians are left in town as well as weather conditions. Once there weren't any more questions, everyone began to leave to return to their units.
As Kurt and Andrew were leaving, Andrew asked Kurt, "Getting to the other side of town as well as saving the mayor and his family is going to be tough."
"While true, there is a way. I have an idea but first, let's brief the squad on the mission," Kurt stated. Andrew nodded and the two headed back to the squad.
As they made their way back to the squad, a voice called out to the two men.
"Oi, are you two the ones in charge of the penal unit?" Both Kurt and Andrew turned around to see that two people were walking toward them. One of them was a man with short blond hair and a blond beard. From the slight wrinkles on his face, the man was 47 years old, as shown by the wrinkles on his face. However, the most interesting part of the man is that he has two scars on his face, one from his scalp to his right eye while the other starts below his left eye and goes done his left cheek. He wears a sleeveless version of the Nameless uniform with a grey tank under it with three belts around his waist. He wears puffy red pants, similar to the pants they wore in medieval times, with the standard knee braces and black boots that many of the Nameless wear. On both, his arms were tattoos that look similar to tribal tattoos that Andrew has seen on the American Samoans he has interacted with back in the states and wears gloves on both of his hands.
The other person was a young woman. She wore a standard nurse uniform though now in the Nameless collars. On her head, she wore a nurse's cap on top of her short pink hair. She also had metal fasteners around her waist to be able to attach the medical bags she needs to treat combat wounds. She wore knee-high boots over black stockings and had armored knee pads that covered most of her leg. She also wore gloves that went from her hands to her elbow, which were covered with armored pads as well.
"Yes, that would be us? Judging from your uniforms, you guys must be the new newcomers," Andrew asked.
"That would be it, I am Cedric Drake, number 25," Cedric replied with a lazy salute. The woman on the other hand gave a more formal salute.
"I am Clarissa Callaghan, number 46," Clarissa also replied.
"I am number 7, Kurt Irving; and this is number 28, Andrew W. Vandegrift, my second in command. Welcome to the squad," Kurt introduced, giving them both a welcoming smile. Andrew also gave them a nod.
"We were about to meet with our squad for the mission's briefing. Follow us and we will also introduce you to the squad," Kurt said, motioning them to follow. The two newcomers followed the two officers to meet the rest of their squad.
"And that is our mission," Kurt concluded the briefing. The entire squad was gathered around the tank, with some sitting on the tank, as Kurt and Andrew gave the briefing. They were using the ground and some debris that they found around to use as building markers and made lines with dirt as streets to try and accurately show the road. Also, since they were far away from the rest of the army and militia they can use their names without any issues.
"So, pretty much, these bastards are using innocent people as hostages and we have to attack them in the arse," Caitlyn summed up.
"And we have to have some people support the main attack with the regular army and militia," Andrew added.
"Being at three places at once? I guess we just have to keep the tradition of being assigned impossible missions," Alfons stated.
"Furthermore, these guys have no honor as soldiers," Guilio commented.
"While true, they are also cunning. Many of them are still wearing Gallian military uniforms and use Gallian weapons, probably to confuse people. There will be German officers around but most of the German soldiers will be at the front. Regardless, we do not know what they are capable of so be on your guard," Andrew also noted. While everyone nodded and looked serious, Annika was the opposite.
"Hehe! The enemy must be strong! I'm all fired up!' Annika cheered, wearing a big smile.
"To be quite honest, these guys are more evil and just horrible rather than strong," Guilio commented.
"Either way, if we defeat them in battle, I'll become stronger!" Annika declared, "Let them witness our strength!"
Gloria gave Annika a look, "Really, still speaking of strength?"
Gloria then gave Annika a serious look and then dragged Annika away from the group, behind a set of crates near one of their APCs, and stated, "Annika, cool your head a bit."
"Eh?"
"These people in the town, they are committing war crimes. People are suffering because of them. How can you be so happy at a time like this?"
Annika was surprised. Normally, Gloria was never this serious, even during the direst situations. This is the first time that Annika has seen Gloria act like this and it honestly scared her.
"That's, that's….. Because I get to fight stronger foes. I need to fight stronger foes so that I can get stronger."
Gloria sighed, decided that she needed to get things straight, "... Annika, now listen here, I can't stand you. I know you are a candid child. But right now, you are incapable of achieving true strength."
Gloria then turned and began to walk away, muttering, "I hope you can understand that much."
Annika was confused and was getting annoyed, "What the hell do you mean? Tell me!"
Gloria turned around and answered, "That is not something I can tell you. You will need to learn that yourself." Gloria then continued to walk back to the trucks they rode on.
"Gloria!" Annika called out but before she got her answer, Kurt stepped in.
"Twenty-Four, we are going to begin the operation soon. Come over here to get your assignment," Kurt stated. Annika frowned, but then made her way back to Kurt to get her assignment for the mission.
The mission looked simple on paper: the squad was split into three groups. One group would sneak their way to the other side of town to attack the enemy's command structure, one group head to the location where they are holding the mayor and his family, and the last group will help the regular army assault the town with the regular army and militia. Sounded easy.
It was far from easy.
Making their way to the other side of town, Andrew along with Caitlyn, Amy, Alfons, Valerie, and Cedric were making their way to the other side of town, their mission was to attack the enemy's command structure. They were using the side streets to avoid the patrols and had to take a detour thanks to a Panzer IV suddenly taking a turn onto the street they were taking.
Soon, after about an hour of navigating, they finally made it to their destination. They were all huddled in a small alleyway and Andrew was in front. He peeked around the corner to see what they were up against.
What he saw was a huge square that had a water fountain in the center, though there was no more water in it. There was a cafe on the left of the square that the enemy was using as an aid station, given how there were some wounded soldiers and even civilians there. There was also an armored car and a half-track with a 75mm anti-tank cannon on it, stationed next to the fountain. Two machine-gun nests were housed in a house, one on the ground floor while the other on the second floor.
Their main prize, though, was the huge city hall building that was at the center of the square. Sandbags reinforced city hall, to protect it from shrapnel. A platoon of the collaborators was guarding outside and they could only know how many were inside. Andrew could also see that there were a few windows that were converted to machine-gun nests.
"What are we looking at boss?" Cedric asked.
"Pretty much, I would say a company of these collaborators are out there with an armored car and a half-track with a cannon. They have a machine gun nest in one of the houses so we need to take that out first but it will be difficult," Andrew commented.
"Heh, when they told me that this unit was a suicide squad, they weren't wrong. Oh well, at least this is better than being in prison," Cedric mused. When introductions were given from the new members, Cedric stated that he was sent here because he didn't want to go to prison but didn't elaborate too much on that. Everyone in the Nameless had their reasons in the unit so everyone left it alone, though Andrew had some ideas on Cedric's real reason, but he kept it to himself.
"We will still need to get into that city hall, but we need to do so without so many bullets raining on us," Andrew then looked out again and saw that there was also a line of trucks on the left side of the square.
Enough to cover them to head to city hall.
"Ok, I think I have a plan," Andrew said, he then motioned for everyone to get closer.
Once everyone was close enough, Andrew told them his plan, "Ok, so here is what we are going to do. Me, 11, and 12 will sneak to those trucks over there," Andrew then pointed to the trucks, "Once we are behind those trucks, Caitlyn, Amy, and Cedric will fire on the house that had the machine guns in them. While everyone's attention is on them, the rest of us will then make our way to city hall and take it."
"Take city hall with only three people?" Valerie asked.
"Between the confusion and surprise, us three will be enough to take city hall and while these guys may be tough, even they would be caught off guard, enough for us to get in. Once inside, we head to the comms room and take it out, and then we either capture or kill the officers," Andrew concluded. He then turned his attention to Caitlyn.
"Crowe said you were a sniper, how good are you? Think you can kill those machine gunners before they fire?" Andrew asked.
Caitlyn smirked, "That' is child's play. I can also get' their loaders befor' they even realiz' what' is happening."
"Perfect, once that happens, you three pop smoke and then dash into that house, and fortify it. Keep the armored car and half-track busy while the rest of us mayhem in city hall. Does anyone have any questions?" Andrew asked. Alfons raised his hand.
"That half-track may be a problem for them, we should try and destroy it first before Caitlyn takes out the machine gunners," Alfons suggested. Andrew nodded and looked out again. He surveyed the square and saw that near the trucks, there was a stack of crates.
"Those crates may have something, once we make our way there, we can pop them open and see if they are something we can use," Andrew pointed at the crates. Alfons nodded in understanding. Once no one else had any more questions, Andrew looked out again. Most of these soldiers didn't think that they would be attacked anytime soon so they were pretty lax and not paying too much attention.
"Ok, here we go," Andrew said just as he saw a group of soldiers turn their back to them. He motioned his hand and then he along with 11 and 12 dashed the trucks. Caitlyn got to the corner and pulled out her Lee-Enfield rifle and aimed through her scope to make sure to cover them if they were seen.
Luckily, no one saw them as the three made it to the trucks. There was no one there, so it was easy for the three to approach the crates. Andrew approached a crate, used the butt of his Thompson submachine gun, and pried it opened.
His luck was running high as inside the crate, there was a pair of Panzerfausts. Made by the Germans to have something more lightweight and mobile than a lancer launcher. They have been used to great effect in the war and now these guys will be on the receiving end of it.
"Ok, we got our rockets," Andrew said, pulling out two and giving one to 11.
"We are going to take out both the halftrack and armored car. That way it will give the others time to make it to the house," Andrew stated. 11 nodded, and then Andrew looked over at 12.
"12, I will need you to throw one of the smoke grenades once we destroy those vehicles. That way we will have more cover to make it into city hall."
"Understood. Also, I have a question to ask."
"Shoot."
"Why did you pick both me and 11 for this? Cedric looks more capable and Amy can confuse the enemy to think she is just a kid and then kill them," 12 asked.
Andrew was quiet for a minute as he judged the distance half-track before he answered her.
"You and 11 never gave me and Kurt your names. That means, you two still don't trust us. I want all of us to trust each other so that we can all go home alive and prove to those idiots in Gallia's HQ that we are also human."
Both 11 and 12 were surprised. Both of them were observing the new commander and XO, to see if they were really good to lead them or if they are just doing this because of their rank. From the missions so far, the two saw that Kurt and Andrew did care for the squad and were genuine. They just couldn't find the right time when to formally introduce themselves, so they were going to do that once this mission ended. To see Andrew notice and point it out now told them they probably should have done it sooner.
"I might not show it but the lives of my squad are more important to me than any fame or glory from fighting. So yeah, I chose you two because it looks like I still have to prove myself. Not a big problem for me, I always liked challenges," Andrew continued. As he peeked from the trucks and got ready to shoot the Panzerfaust, 12 spoke up.
"Valerie. My name is Valerie Aynsley," Valerie introduced herself.
"And I am Alfons Auclair. And while we both trust you, we are worried that this is a bit more than we can chew," Alfons also replied.
Andrew looked back at them and it took him a minute before he realized what they had just done.
Andrew smiled and answered Alfon's question, "True, the numbers are against us but these guys are only fanatical. They fight hard but when push comes to shove, we have more experience. We will use that against them."
Andrew then got the right angle, he then shouldered the Panzerfaust and aimed, aiming directly at the center of the halftrack.
"Besides, these bastards are traitors. And I have no remorse for traitors." Andrew replied as he pulled the trigger.
And we are back, this is part one of two for Annika's character chapter. In the next one, the battles commence and we will see if Annika can understand what Gloria meant or if Annika will continue to blindly want to get stronger. See you all next chapter and be safe.